Choosing a power unit for an inflatable vessel is always a search for a balance between the desired speed, autonomy and weight of the equipment. Electric outboard motor It's the perfect solution for those who like quiet fishing and maneuvering in restricted waters, and unlike gasoline, it doesn't require heavy maintenance, it doesn't emit exhaust gases, and it allows you to sneak up on fisherman's spots without a voice.
But the market is full of models with different specifications, and it's easy for a beginner to get confused about the thrust and voltage numbers. traction This will either lead to inefficient battery consumption or you can’t even go plane alone, and in this article we’ll look at the key parameters that will help you make an informed decision.
Key advantages of electric motors over ICE
The main advantage of electric motors is their quietnessThis is critical for fishing, as the sound of the rotor and the vibration of the hull often deter careful fish, and the lack of vibration allows sonars and other sensitive electronics to be mounted directly on the transom without fear of interference.
So, sustainability and ease of use are two other pillars that are driving the popularity of these devices, and you don't have to think about replacing oil, filters or spark plugs. Traction battery It requires only timely recharging, and the engine itself practically does not need maintenance throughout the season.
It is also worth noting the maneuverability: the ability to instantly reverse and accurately control the speed of the reeds makes it easy to maneuver in the thickets of reeds or among driftwoods. Rumell control It is intuitively clear, and the presence of foot control pedals (in some models) frees up the hands for spinning.
⚠️ Note: Despite the moisture protection, submerging the motor in water below the level specified in the instructions (usually this is a lower unit), can lead to short circuit and failure of the electronics.
Calculation of the required traction and power
The most important factor to choose from is the thrust force, measured in pounds (lbs), which many people mistakenly believe is directly converted to horsepower, but it is not. To choose the best model, you need to consider the full weight of the boat, including passengers, cargo, gasoline (if any) and the engine itself.
The simple formula is that for every 500 kg of total weight, you need about 100-120 pounds of thrust to move comfortably into the calm. If you plan to catch on the current or often go out in windy weather, the power reserve should be increased to 150-170 pounds per ton. Excessive traction It will not harm the motor, since modern controllers themselves regulate the consumption of current, but will allow you to quickly enter the mode.
Low-power motors (up to 30-40 lbs) often run from 12 volts, allowing for a single standard battery pack. More powerful models (55 lbs and up) may require 24 or even 36 volts, which necessitates serially connecting multiple batteries or buying specialized lithium assemblies.
Types of attachment and control
The design of the lower unit and the mounting method determines which boat the unit can be installed on. transom-holdingIt is universal and suitable for most models with hard or inflatable transom, but requires reliable fixation with strubcines.
The control can be carried out manually through a humcle that turns to the sides to change course, or remotely. GPS anchorsWhen the motor holds the boat at a point on its own, compensating for the wind and current to blow it off, it's an indispensable feature for spinners.
There are also models with bow mounts, but for PVC they are used less often because of the difficulty of installing an additional bracket on inflatable tubes. When choosing, pay attention to the length of the lower unit: high-side inflatable boats often require an elongated shaft to keep the screw at optimal depth.
- 🎣 Roompile control Classic, reliability, direct tactile control, ideal for small boats.
- 🦶 Foot pedal Frees both hands for fishing, convenient for trolling, but requires a place in the cockpit.
- 📡 Remote remote control It allows you to control the engine from anywhere on the boat, often comes complete with GPS functions.
Battery: Selection of energy source
The heart of any electrical installation is the battery. For outboard motors, the starter car batteries, which are designed for short-term high-current returns, are categorically not suitable. traction-battery Deep Cycle, capable of giving energy to small currents for a long time and withstanding a deep discharge.
Traditional lead-acid batteries (AGM, GEL) are cheap and affordable, but they are heavy.LiFePO4) batteries are much lighter, smaller and last 5-10 times longer, although their initial cost is higher. Remember when calculating capacity, lead is not recommended to be discharged by more than 50%, whereas lithium can be used by almost 100%.
To calculate the running time, use the rule: battery capacity (Ah) is divided by motor consumption current (A) at the selected speed. For example, a 100 Ah battery with a 20 Amp motor will provide approximately 5 hours of operation at an average speed. Always take a capacity reserve of about 20-30%.
⚠️ WARNING: When using lithium batteries, be sure to make sure they have a BMS controller built in with overload protection and low-temperature charge capability if you plan to fish in the late fall.
Can I use a car battery?
Theoretically, it can, but it will quickly fail. Starter batteries are not designed to be deep discharge. After a few cycles of "fishing-charging", the capacity of such a battery will fall to a critical level, and it will not even be able to start a car. The savings in buying a specialized traction battery are worth it.
Screws and their impact on efficiency
The screw is a component that directly converts the shaft to motion. Standard plastic screws (usually 2-3 blades) are well suited for calm water and low speeds. However, for heavy boats or conditions with grass and algae, it is better to choose a screw with an increased pitch or blade shape.
The material of the propeller also matters: Composite screws are stronger than plastic, and when hit by an underwater obstacle, they often break down, saving the engine shaft, but they are more difficult to replace in the field. Steel screws They are rarely used, mainly on very powerful models, and require caution when in contact with solid objects.
It is important to monitor the condition of the screw: chipped, cracked or stuck fishing line can drastically reduce the efficiency of the engine and lead to overloading of the windings. Regular cleaning and visual inspection after each fishing is a mandatory procedure.
Comparative table of popular specifications
To organize the selection, consider the averaged parameters for different boat classes, which will help you navigate the sea of technical specifications.
| PVC class boat | Full weight (kg) | Recommended traction (lbs) | Voltage (B) | Optimal capacity of the AKB (Ach) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single (up to 2.8 m) | 300 | 30 - 40 | 12 | 50 - 75 |
| Double (3.0 - 3.6 m) | 300 - 500 | 45 - 55 | 12 | 100 - 120 |
| Three-seater (3.6 - 4.2 m) | 500 - 700 | 60 - 75 | 24 / 36 | 2 x 100 / 3 x 100 |
| Boatway/Large PVC | more than 700 | 80+ | 36 / 48 | 3 x 150+ |
The rule of thumb is, you'd better take a motor with a thrust margin than a motor with a thrust deficit, and a motor that runs half-heartedly will last longer and provide a longer range than a motor that runs at its limit.
Maintenance and winter storage
Electric motors don't require the care of an internal combustion engine, but neglecting simple rules can shorten their lifespan. After each trip, especially if fishing in salt water or a body of abundant vegetation, the motor must be washed with fresh water.
Pay special attention cereal Sand and small stones that get into the mechanism can damage the cuffs, which will lead to water entering the lower unit. Lubrication of moving parts should be carried out with special silicone lubricants that do not destroy the rubber elements.
Winter storage requires full battery charge and periodic (once every 1-2 months) recharging, even if the battery is not used. It is better to store the motor itself in an upright position in a dry room, removing the screw and treating the shaft with anti-corrosion composition.
- 🔋 Regular charging Do not leave the battery in a discharged state, this leads to sulfation of the plates.
- 🧼 Freshwater flushing - mandatory after use in salt water to prevent corrosion.
- 🔧 Checking of anchorages Before each descent, check the puff of the rods and screws.
⚠️ Warning: Never store the motor with the battery in a sealed box without ventilation, especially if a lead-acid battery is used, which can emit gases when charging or malfunctioning.
☑️ Pre-season checks
If you store the motor in an unheated garage in the winter, remove the battery and put it in the heat. In the cold, the battery capacity drops, and the electrolyte can freeze if the battery has been discharged.
Popular brands and models
The electric motor market is divided into several segments, and the leaders are traditionally considered to be American brands. Min Kota and MotorGuideTheir products are highly reliable, have advanced GPS systems and have a wide service network, but the price of these kits can be quite high.
Chinese manufacturers, such as Haswing, Flux and WatersnakeThey offer a great alternative. In the last 5 years, the quality of their products has increased dramatically, and the functionality often copies the top models. For most amateur anglers using PVC boats up to 4 meters long, these engines are more than enough.
When choosing a brand, pay attention not only to price, but also to the availability of spare parts in your area. screws, fasteners and control boards may be needed at the most inopportune time.
What is the maximum speed that can be achieved on an electric motor?
Speed depends on the resistance of the boat hull, weight of the load and engine power. On average, electric motors allow you to reach speeds from 5 to 10 km / h. planing (speed above 15-20 km / h) on an inflatable boat with an electric motor is possible only with very low weight and the use of specialized screws, but this quickly lands the battery.
How long does the traction battery charge?
Charging time depends on the battery capacity and current strength of the charger. The standard rule is to charge with a current of 10% of the capacity (for AGM/GEL). For example, a 100-Ah battery is charged with 10A current for about 10-12 hours. Lithium batteries can be charged with high currents, reducing the time to 3-5 hours.
Can I use an electric motor on the current?
Yes, but with limitations. If the current speed exceeds the maximum speed of the boat for an outboard motor, you will not be able to climb against the current. For rivers with fast current, it is recommended to choose a motor with a thrust reserve of at least 30-40% of the calculated value.